I am tagging along on my husband's business trip to Macau at the end of December, and will basically have a full five days to myself on the island. We're planning on spending four proper vacation days in HK together after his work wraps up, so I don't want to spend much time over there while I'm on my own -- but as I'm not much of a gambler, I'm not sure Macau proper will have quite enough activities to spread out over 5 days, even at a leisurely pace. Any recs on top of the UNESCO, casino, and beach standards? Also, our time in Macau will include the Western New Years Eve -- if it will even be celebrated, should we seek out any activities in particular?
Many thanks!
One week in Macau
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The most time I've spent at Macau is 4 days and I will be there again for another 4 days next week. For 4 days I would like to suggest the following:
1/. Spend a day walking and exploring historic centre of Macau. I like the walk from Senado Square to the fort and museum.
2/. Spend another day driving, rent a small car like a "Smart" car, around Taipa and Coloane. Stop by Lord Stow for some egg tarts, go to Fernando for lunch etc.
3/. Spend a day shopping/exploring around the mega casino malls like the Venetian.
4/. Go over the "border" into China and explore for a day.
There are some sites in Macau that are not part of UNESCO Heritage. Don't miss them either. In Macau proper, one is the Kun Iam Temple, a fairly large complex, also where the first Sino-American treaty is signed.
Another is the Lou Lim Ieoc Gardens, a Suzhou-style garden with some western twist.
The Maritime museum across the the A-Ma Temple is also quite neat, though some of the stuff are similar to the Macau Museum.
Even if you don't go to China, you can still go up to Portas do Cerco to see the old border arch and all the huge highrises on the Chinese side.
I haven't done so for a long time, but you can still have tea at Pousada de Santiago, a hotel converted from an old fort about 25 years ago.
On Taipa, there are the Casa Museu Da Taipa near the old village and Rua do Cunha, the dining street there.
On Coloane, go to the old Coloane village. Several temples and the St Francis Xavier church. There are also some hiking trails.
Together with the whole list of UNESCO Heritage Sites, that can fill you for 3-4 days.
Mandarin house is definitely worth a visit
If you plan to have a meal near A-Ma try "Ah Lorcha"
Make sure you try the egg tart from Lord's Stow when you go Colane
Here is some food list if you have time:
http://http://macau-hk.blogspot.com/search/label/macau